Moistener for cigar boxes



Patented Apr. 10, 1928.

UNITED STATES PAr NToFI-ic y ELMER C. HAKE, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIG'NOR TO THE LUDLOW MANUFACTTTR ING COMPANY, OF LUDLOW, KENTUCKY, A CORPORATIONOF KENTUCKY.

MOISTETIER FOR CIGAR BOXES.

Application filed September 30, 1926. Serial No. 138,764.

This invention relates to improvements in moisteners for cigars and is to be used with the original box in which the cigars are packed.

An object ofthe invention is to provide a moistener for use with the usual transparent lid usually employed for covering cigars while on display in a cigar store or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a moistener that may be readily mounted on the auxiliary cover and may be re-used with successive boxes of cigars.

Another object of the invention is to provide a moistener that will not so. contact thecigars as to dampen or saturate the cigars at the point of contact of the moistener with the cigars.

Another object of the invention is to pro vide a moistener that is inexpensive to manufacture to accomplish the above objects.

These and other objects are obtained by the means described herein and disclosed in the accompanying drawings; in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a cigar box and auxiliary lid having the improved 1noistener mounted in places Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an inverted view of the moistener disassociated from the auxiliary cover.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional View taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

The invention contemplates the use of the ordinary cigar box 10 having the usual auxiliary cover 11. The cover 11 comprises a frame 12 stamped from sheet material and having, a U shaped cross section, as shown at 13. This structure provides a resilient flange 24; on the under surface of the cover 11. The frame 12 is provided with a suit able extension 14: the ends 15 of which are bent upon themselves whereby a way 16 is provided. The cigar box 10 is provided with the usual lid 17 which is received in the ways 16.

The moistener 1.8 comprises a longitudinally extending strip 19 having the opposite sides 20 and 21 bent upon themselves to provide a seam. The opposite ends 22 and 23 extend beyond the sides 20 and 21 to provide tongues which are adapted to be received between the flange 24 of the frame 12 and a suitabletransparent window 25 carriedby the frame 12. A suitable cover or spacing strip 26 having its opposite sides 27 and 28 formed into outwardly extending fiangesis secured to the longitudinally ex:- tending member 19-by the seams 20 and 21. Suitable moistener :pads 29 are received intermediate the flanges 27 and 28 of :thespacing strip 26 and the longitudinal extending member 19. It should be noted that the spacing strip 26 is provided with offsets 30 whereby an air space 31 is provided intermediate the moisture carrying pads 29 and the spacing strip 26. I

By reference to Fig. 2 it is apparent how the improved moistener operates. When the cigar box is filled with cigars the retaining strip 26 contacts the upper layer of the cigars 32 thereby spacing the moisture laden pads 29 from the cigars and preventing the inoistening or saturation of the cigars at the point of contact. It should also be noted that the space 31 intermediatethe moisture laden pad 29 and the spacing strip 26 permits a free flow of dry air therethrough which takes up the moisture from the pads and circulates through the box thereby keeping the cigars in the desired state and preventing same from drying out.

It should also be noted that the upper surface 33 of the moistener when in use may carry suitable indicia such as the brand name of the cigar contained within the box or a suitable legend as to the quality, price or origin of the goods displayed. It should further be noted that the moisteners may be easily disassociated from the lid by holding one end, for example 23, while the other is actuated in a circle about the end 23 until the outer end 22, is actuated beyond the clamping engagement of the flange 24 of the frame 12 and the transparent cover 25.

It is'therefore evident. that the moisteners may be used interchangeably with the auxiliary covers 11 now generally employed. It should also be noted that the moistener 18 may be disassociated from the box covers I 12 for the purpose of replenishing the 1noisture in the pads. Another advantage of the separable moistener is that the moistener 18 may be positioned at any desired place lateral of the lid and need not be confined to the particular position shown in the drawmgs.

What is claimed is 1. The combination :of an auxiliary cover for cigar boxes comprising a frame, the frame-being of a U shaped cross section, a

transparent window carried by the frame, a longitudinal strip intermediate the frame and the Window, a moisture carrying pad secured to the longitudinal strip, and means carried by the strip spaced from the pad whereby an air space is provided intermediate the moisture pad and spaced means.

2. The combination of an auxiliary cover for cigar boxes having a frame ota U shaped cross section, means carried by the frame for covering the contents o f the cigar box, a moistener, and means at the opposite ends of the moistener zoo-operating with the frame and cover means for retaining the mois'ten'er in position on the auxiliary cover.

3. As a new article of manufacture a moistener for auxiliary covers for cigar boxes comprising a longitudinal member, a moisture carrying pad secured to the longitudinal member, tongues on the opposite ends of the longitudinal member, and a spacing strip secured to the longitudinal member spaced from the pads whereby an air space is provided intermediate the spacing strip and the pad.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 24th day of September, 1926.

ELMER C. HAK'E. 

